How loosened gene pausing helps breast cancer cells become more invasive
Relaxed Polymerase Pausing as a Driver of Epigenetic Plasticity and Cancer Cell Invasion
This project looks at whether changes in how breast cancer cells control gene activity make them more flexible and likely to invade other tissues, aiming to help people with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11211237 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study luminal breast cancer cells to see how a protein called SUV420H2 and related histone changes control RNA polymerase 'pausing' and cell behavior. They will use lab-grown cancer cells, 3-D cell models, and molecular assays to change specific histone marks and watch whether cells shift toward invasive, stem-like states. The team will track key molecules (like H4K20 methylation, H4K16 acetylation, MOF/MSL, pTEFb and Pol II) to link molecular changes to cell movement and invasion. Results are intended to reveal early steps that let some tumor cells leave the breast and spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with luminal-type breast cancer or patients at risk of early metastatic spread would be the most relevant group for future therapies based on this research.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated cancer types or those already with widespread, treatment-resistant metastases are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory work in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets to prevent early invasion and future metastasis in breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked epigenetic changes to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, but targeting RNA polymerase pausing via SUV420H2 is a relatively new approach still at the laboratory stage.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vertino, Paula M. — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Vertino, Paula M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.